Sendai, a bustling metropolis with a population of 1 million, is the only major city in the Tohoku region and is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. The city boasts around 4,500 restaurants, ranging from high-end establishments to more affordable options, making it a paradise for food lovers. The heart of Sendai’s dining culture is centered around the covered arcade street known as Chuo-dori, located to the west of Sendai Station, where numerous eateries line the streets. Additionally, the narrow alleys known as “Yokocho” are filled with small, traditional restaurants, offering a glimpse into Sendai’s rich food culture and history. Among the city’s most iconic dishes is Gyutan (牛タン), grilled beef tongue, which is tender and full of flavor—a must-try for any visitor. Another local specialty is Unagi (うなぎ), grilled eel served over rice with a sweet soy-based sauce, offering a rich and savory taste. Fresh seafood, including sashimi and sushi, is also widely available, thanks to Sendai’s proximity to the coast. For those seeking a luxurious dining experience, many high-end restaurants in Sendai serve Yonezawa Beef (米沢牛), a highly prized wagyu beef from nearby Yamagata Prefecture. These culinary delights highlight Sendai’s status as a top destination for food enthusiasts in Japan.
- Specialty Dishes
- Gyutan(Beef tongue)
- Yonezawa Beef
[Dinner Restaurants]Sendai-仙台 - Google マイマップ
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1. Vlandome-牛たん料理 閣 ブランドーム本店
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☆☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Daifuku Maru in Aomori is a lively izakaya known for offering a taste of local culture and cuisine. Located just a short walk from Aomori Station, the restaurant features dishes like scallop sashimi, Hokkai grilled fish, and the unique Iga menchi. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially during the Nebuta Festival season, with live Tsugaru shamisen performances and even a re-creation of Nebuta floats. The food is fresh and delicious, though slightly on the expensive side, possibly reflecting the added entertainment. The staff is friendly, and the experience is enhanced by the cultural performances, making it a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in Aomori’s local flavors and traditions.
2. Tanya Zenjirou Sendai Station Ekimae Honten-たんや善治郎 駅前本店
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☆☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvQ4G2ViMciuniUT7 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Tanya Zenjirou Sendai Station Ekimae Honten is a highly popular spot in Sendai, renowned for its exceptional cow tongue dishes. The restaurant is known for serving rare and premium cuts, such as the Manaka tongue, which is incredibly tender and flavorful. The set meals often include perfectly grilled beef tongue, a rich beef tail soup, and barley rice, with the option to add sides like grated yam. The beef tongue is praised for its thickness and softness, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Sendai. Although the restaurant is often crowded, with wait times that can exceed an hour, the quality of the food makes the wait worthwhile. The restaurant’s convenient location near Sendai Station, combined with its authentic and delicious offerings, make it a top choice for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy traditional Sendai beef tongue.
3. Gyutan Tsukasa Torayoko branch-牛タン焼専門店 司 虎横店
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Gyutan Tsukasa Sendai East Exit is a popular spot for enjoying high-quality cow tongue in Sendai. The restaurant is known for its tender and flavorful beef tongue, which is served in various forms, including grilled, shabu-shabu style, and in a hearty stew. The set meals are particularly recommended, featuring thick cuts of beef tongue that are both soft and delicious, accompanied by tail soup and barley rice. Customers often note the perfect balance of seasoning and the pleasant atmosphere, even during busy times. The restaurant’s proximity to Sendai Station makes it a convenient choice, although long wait times are common due to its popularity. Despite the wait, diners consistently find the experience worthwhile, often citing it as one of the best beef tongue meals they’ve had.
4. Unagi No Naruse Sendai Ichibancho Ten-鰻の成瀬 仙台一番町店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Unagi No Naruse in Sendai Ichibancho offers a satisfying unagi experience with three main options that differ in portion size. The “Matsu” option provides the most generous serving, with eel pieces that overflow the container, while “Take” offers a balanced portion. The quality of the eel is impressive, cooked to a tender, flavorful perfection. Despite using imported eel, the careful processing in Japan ensures safety and quality. The restaurant’s atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with a self-service approach for water and tea, helping maintain a relaxed dining environment. Overall, Unagi No Naruse is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious and fulfilling unagi meal.
5. HANA ITA-旬の味 花板
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
HANA ITA is a high-end Japanese restaurant praised for its exceptional cuisine and refined ambiance. The meticulously prepared dishes, particularly the dashi, simmered dishes, and chawanmushi, highlight the natural umami of the ingredients, offering a traditional Japanese dining experience. While the food quality is outstanding, some diners have raised concerns about the transparency of pricing, especially with items like grilled nodoguro, where the market price can vary. Despite this, the service is generally polite, though interactions among staff could be better managed to maintain the restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere. HANA ITA is well-suited for a range of occasions, including business and private dining, with private rooms recommended for business settings due to the close proximity of seating in the main dining area. Despite minor drawbacks, it remains a top choice for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in a refined setting.
6. Yakiniku Kotora-焼肉 仔虎 仙台駅前店
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Yakiniku Kotora is a popular yakiniku restaurant known for its excellent quality meat, exceptional service, and pleasant atmosphere. I first visited Kotora after a friend from Tochigi recommended it during our two-night stay at a hot spring inn in Nasu. Despite a three-hour drive from Tokyo, the experience was well worth it. We enjoyed five servings of top loin and top hanging tender, along with cold noodles, kimchi, and namul. The top loin, in particular, was a standout. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including the “Akayu All-You-Can-Drink Course,” which provides a comprehensive meal with appetizers, meat, cold noodles, and dessert, though the service was a bit slow at times. Kotora’s reputation for serving high-quality Yonezawa beef is well-deserved, and the attentive service, scenic views from the 8th floor, and the refined yet approachable ambiance make it a top choice for both locals and visitors. Whether enjoying a casual lunch or a special dinner, Kotora impresses with its meticulously prepared dishes and a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
7. 110 Coffee-イトーコーヒー
- DJ Recommendation
☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
110 Coffee is a cozy spot tucked away in the bustling Sendai Asaichi market, making it a hidden gem for coffee lovers. Despite its unassuming location, the café attracts a steady stream of customers, drawn by its expertly brewed coffee and welcoming atmosphere. The café allows patrons to bring in food from nearby vendors, such as the popular Marumo bakery next door, enhancing the experience of enjoying a well-crafted cup of coffee with delicious local pastries. The interior is small but charming, with friendly staff who make you feel at home. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee during a market visit or settling in for a leisurely break, 110 Coffee offers a delightful retreat in the heart of Sendai.
8. Aoyama Bunko-青山文庫
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Aoyama Bunko in Sendai is a must-visit café with a literary, antique ambiance that draws in both locals and travelers alike. The café is known for its carefully crafted coffee, served in beakers, adding a unique touch to the experience. On weekends, it can be quite busy, but the relaxed seating arrangement ensures that the atmosphere remains calm and inviting. Their “Good Morning” menu, which comes with a drink order, includes a variety of toasts and small bites, making it a popular choice for breakfast. The café’s interior is filled with books and vintage décor, creating a cozy and intellectual environment. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, indulging in their popular apple pie, or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a book, Aoyama Bunko offers a charming retreat in the heart of the city. Despite the occasional wait, the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the enchanting atmosphere make it well worth the visit.